Philippe Coutinho’s magical strike didn’t prove enough for Brazil

Brazil failed to register a victory in their opening World Cup fixture after 40 long years

Philippe Coutinho scored his trademark magical goal against Switzerland in the 20th minute in Brazil’s opener at FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, but it didn’t prove enough for Selecao to secure the victory.

Coutinho’s 20th-minute striker made everyone believe that Brazil will run a riot over Swiss side, but Swiss recovered well after Coutinho weaved his magic. They defended very well collectively blocking Brazil’s supply line and their hard work paid when Steven Zuber finds a header from Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner ball.

Zuber connected well to equalize for Switzerland, although it was controversial. Brazil were claiming that Swiss man fouled Miranda from behind before heading the ball, but goal stays and it proved enough to snatch a point against the star-studded Brazil side.

The only sparks from Brazil came in Coutinho’s magical moment. And the good thing for them is that their star player Neymar is back on the ground. It’s the first time Brazil has lost their opener in 40 years, but they’ll definitely bounce back.

Serbia and Costa Rica will be their next challenge and Tite men will have to make sure that they register victories in those games.

It’s not only Brazil who suffered a setback in their opening game. All of the tournament favourites haven’t had a good opening day. Spain drew 3-3 with Portugal, France had a narrow victory over Australia, Argentina drew 1-1 with Iceland, Germany lost 0-1 against Mexico earlier in the evening, and here come Brazil drawing 1-1 with Switzerland.

Only France registered a victory out of top five favourite to win the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, and that also wasn’t impressive one. The opening fixtures have brought lot many surprises, let’s see how the favourites turn up in their next games.